5 Tips to Traveling with a Toddler on a BUDGET!
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Long before I was a mom, I was a traveler. I began when I was 13-years-old and traveled to Russia as an exchange student. My mom thought I was nuts, but lucky for me she allowed me to go, and I haven’t stopped traveling since. Traveling has taught me a lot about the world, lessons about people and our differences, in addition to feeling grateful to our way of life. The lessons have been invaluable and I wouldn’t trade them in, but I also learned traveling is expensive. When I was a solo-traveler, I learned a few tricks to save while traveling. When my crew doubled, adding ‘Mr. Saver’ to the mix, we learned some new saving tips. And now as a mom, and family of three, I have been forced to figure out even more ways to save. Buying three plane tickets stings! Here are five tips to traveling with a toddler while on a budget.
#1 Diapers & supplies
If your toddler is still in diapers, ship them to your destination via Amazon. As a Prime member, typically a box of diapers is $4-5 cheaper buying in advance than going to the local grocery store when you arrive. And if you ship it, you don’t have to lug it in your luggage. If shipping isn’t an option, seek out a Costco for diapers or any other supplies.
#2 luggage fees
Luggage fees add up these days! And quite honestly, I hate luggage fees as much as I hate parking fees! Most airlines will allow you to check your car seat, stroller and pack-n-play for FREE. Make sure you call it ‘Baby Gear’ at the check-in counter. That being said, make sure you check your airline for specific rules. Hack alert: buy one of those cheap car seat bags, use it to keep your car seat safe and clean, but it is also a great place for extra storage at no cost! Perfect for snack stuffing to have throughout your trip, especially if your little one has a favorite.
#3 eating out
Eating out is a costly expense while traveling. The process of elimination we use when selecting restaurants includes: 1) Kid friendly? 2) Do kids eat free? 3) If not free, is there at least a kids menu? 4) Final option is splitting two entrees between three people.
#4 buy attraction tickets in advance
Plan ahead: buy your attraction tickets in advance. If a child ticket is required for entry, typically buying in advance will save $5-$10 per ticket. And then sometimes, a child ticket isn’t required. Knowing your savings and cost will help keep ‘The Saver’ happy, and allows other places ‘The Spender’ can spend. 🙂 It is also piece of mind knowing you have your tickets, just in case they sell out. Plus it reduces line time, something we all know is vital to keeping a little guy happy.
#5 rental vs. hotel
Investigate a VBRO or AirBNB at your destination. I have found the prices are equal or less than a hotel room and offer more space for the whole family. Often, a whole other room for your toddler is available to sleep and rest. Hallelujah! Bonus: the added benefit and budget saving perk of these rentals often include a kitchen to help lessen the burden of eating out for all meals.
We have a trip to Singapore planned in April. More details on our itinerary to come soon!
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